Fun fact, Seattle ranks 32 among the country's 50 largest cities in total rainfall. It gets it's bad reputation because 152 days per year there is some sort of light rain, even if it doesn't last very long. Anyway, in addition to numerous direct flight options overseas, Seattle is ideally located with easy access to National Parks, mountains, and plenty of other fun destinations within a short flight. It's also very close to Alaska!
This article will focus on domestic destinations via airplane and car. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for locals in Seattle within a 3 hour flight (three bonus flights over 3 hours). More importantly, these trips are all possible without having to request PTO (for you M-F 9-5'ers), it just depends what you want to do at your destination.
Sitka, Alaska (SIT) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Sure, the movie The Proposal was "filmed" there, and that's how I first heard of it, but it consistently ranks as the most beautiful city in Alaska. Sitka National Historical Park is also worth a try.
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Alaska from SEA - See flight deals
SkyWest from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Juneau, Alaska (JNU) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
The lovely capital city of Alaska! Must visit Gustavus while you're there. Can be accessed by ferry from Juneau.
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Alaska from SEA - See flight deals
Delta from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Anchorage, Alaska (ANC) - 3.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
The largest city in Alaska and home to museums and within reach of National Parks. I recommend driving to Seward and staying there. It's close to Kenai Fjords National Park. Or, drive to Homer and spend the weekend fishing salmon and halibut.
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Alaska from SEA - See flight deals
Delta from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Lake Tahoe, CA & NV (RNO) - Just Under a 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Gorgeous Lake Tahoe! Skiing, water sports, gambling, great scenery, interesting people. Reno is the closest airport, about 45 minutes away.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
SkyWest from SEA - See flight deals
Southwest from SEA - See flight deals
Horizon from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Denver, Colorado (DEN) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Mountains, beer, National Parks, hiking, clean city, nice people.
When to go?
Year-round. Ski in the winter. Hike in the summer.
Who can fly you there?
United from SEA - See flight deals
Frontier from SEA - See flight deals
Alaska from SEA - See flight deals
Delta from SEA - See flight deals
SkyWest from SEA - See flight deals
Southwest from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
San Diego, California (SAN) - Just Under a 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Surfing, Hiking, Zoo, Mountain Biking, Partying.
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from SEA - See flight deals
Alaska from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Los Angeles, California (LAX, BUR, SNA, LGB, SBA, ONT) - Just Under a 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Surfing, Hiking, Sports, City Life, Culture, Fame, Disneyland, Food.
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
United from SEA - See flight deals
Delta from SEA - See flight deals
Alaska from SEA - See flight deals
SkyWest from SEA - See flight deals
Horizon from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Austin, Texas (AUS) - Just Over a 4 Hour Flight
Why go?
Food, Art, Music, BBQ, Tech, Bach Parties, and All-Around Fun!
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Alaska from SEA - See flight deals
SkyWest from SEA - See flight deals
Delta from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Gambling, Hoover Dam, Death Valley National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, Partying, more Gambling.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from PAE - See flight deals
Frontier from SEA - See flight deals
Southwest from SEA - See flight deals
Spirit from SEA - See flight deals
Horizon from PAE - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Skiing, Salt Flats, Mormons, and Great National Parks within a moderate drive.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from SEA - See flight deals
SkyWest from SEA - See flight deals
Alaska from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Glacier National Park, Montana (FCA) - 1.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Glacier National Park and the great town of Whitefish. I recommend camping, but you can get a boutique hotel in Whitefish or Kalispell.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
SkyWest from SEA - See flight deals
Horizon from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Portland, Oregon (PDX) - 1.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Surfing. Oregon coast is only 1 hour away. Mt. Hood is nearby as well.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from SEA - See flight deals
Alaska from SEA - See flight deals
SkyWest from SEA - See flight deals
Horizon from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD) - Just Over a 4 Hour Flight
Why go?
Beaches, fun, great vacations.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from SEA - See flight deals
Alaska from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $500+
Where can you stay?
Jackson Hole, Wyoming (JAC) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Bears, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, skiing, golfing, horseback riding, rustic boutique, hotels, cool people.
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
SkyWest from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $500+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Make sure you have time to visit both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Jenny Lake is a must.
Vancouver, British Columbia - 2.5 Hour Drive
Why go?
Arguably the best place to visit in Canada, Vancouver is known for being a clean and pristine city with nice folks and lots of outdoors activities, similar to Seattle. It's also a 1.5 hour drive to Whistler! Don't forget your passport, and make sure you're sober!
When to go?
Year-Round
Where can you stay?
San Juan Islands, Washington - 1 Hour Flight or 3 Hour Drive (including ferries)
Why go?
You have to take a ferry to get there, but it's the Nantucket of the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy endless whale watching. Friday Harbor is the most popular area.
Who can fly you there?
Kenmore Air from SEA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
When to go?
Year-Round
Where can you stay?
North Cascades National Park - 2 Hour Drive
Why go?
A beautiful, underrated National Park. Blue/Green lakes and lush scenery will blow your mind.
When to go?
Summer.
Where can you stay?
Camp!
Mount Rainier National Park - Less Than a 2 Hour Drive
Why go?
The most popular National Park in the area. Incredible views and hiking opportunities all around the peak.
When to go?
Summer.
Where can you stay?
Camp!
Olympic National Park - 2 Hour Drive
Why go?
Dense fog is common at Olympic National Park, but if you're a local, plan accordingly and prepare to be impressed.
When to go?
Summer.
Where can you stay?
Camp!
